As a College Student It’s Okay to Ask for Help

How many times has the fear of being judged or misunderstood stopped you from talking to a friend or a loved about an experience? I can tell you there have been times in the past where I would let situations play out in my mind over and over again. I would ask myself what I could have done differently? If anything at all. The feeling of being completely helpless would override any rational thought. I would think who would help me anyway. I’m here to tell you it’s okay to ask for help.

If it’s causing you harm in other areas of your life, it may be something you need to talk about.

When we are misusing alcohol, we may not be able to control how much we drink next time – or have someone to even monitor our intake. I know what you are thinking, as a college student it is almost ridiculous to think that you will not drink at a college party or some other social gathering. That is what is “socially acceptable.” Sometimes, it is even celebrated to binge drink or over consume alcohol. Most people can consider this a “stage” or “a rite of passage,” but if this is causing you harm in other areas of your life it may be something you need to talk about. It is ok to talk to someone.

College life is all about living and learning. It is an opportunity to be your own person, away from your parents, and to discover life’s possibilities. We make some mistakes and learn from them. However, if you continuously make the same mistake and it is affecting your relationships with peers, professors, and the school, there may be some underlying issues. This is not a bad thing, but you need to ask for help. If you don’t, you could continue to go down the same path you are on and things could potentially get worse. There are options! Do not ever think that your situation can not change. However, in order for that situation to change you have to speak up and talk to someone.

Traditionally, every school has a center where students can go and vent about tests, classes, other students, and even personal issues.

I know how hard it is to go up to a counselor or even a friend and share some of your most vulnerable secrets; it is not a good feeling to put yourself and your feelings out there – but it’s necessary to ask for help. If you don’t feel confident about confiding in a friend, then find out more information about your school’s counseling center. Traditionally, every school has a center where students can go and vent about tests, classes, other students, and even some issues. This is a great place to start. If you feel that you do need help, there are places that can help you without impacting your academics. Trust me when I say I understand your fear of graduation dates and class loads. But also know that as a student myself, school is so much easier without personal issues that can cause stress alongside the stress of academic requirements. Life of Purpose, an academically focused substance use disorder treatment program, is now operating on campuses in Florida, Texas, and soon Tennessee. They even have sober living facilities that function as sober dorms. There are so many options for you to get the help that you need without hindering your academics, and it’s confidential.

Starting the conversation is probably the hardest part. Questions like what do you say, and am I going to get into trouble will probably be in your mind. Let me put your thoughts at ease by saying that the people that you will be talking to are going to be your biggest supporters and allies. They WANT to see you succeed! They want to see you graduate, and most of all be a whole person filled with confidence and positive experiences. They are there to help you be the best version of yourself, all you have to do is ask for help today!

Why am I going to Unite to Face Addiction on October 4th in Washington, DC? I’m going because nobody should have to choose between recovery and a college degree. I’m going because I don’t want to see another drug-related death from one of my friends, neighbors, or classmates. Most importantly, I’m going because it’s my obligation to give back the gift of recovery; and I won’t be silent anymore.

I was born in Palo Alto, CA before moving 3,000 miles east to Wilmington, DE. I grew up with a supportive family, great education, and a loyal group of friends. I was always a troublemaker and attempted to be the tough guy, but was broken down in 8th grade when I was faced with expulsion and my parents’ divorce in the same week.

Moving to a new school and new home for the first time in 10 years, I felt alone. I wasn’t the star athlete or class clown anymore. In a room full of people, I felt like the only one there. I fantasized about suicide and knew it was the best option. I drove at high speeds around my hometown in Delaware without a seatbelt, hoping death would happen on its own. I could never look in the mirror, and damn well couldn’t look in the eyes of any of my family members.

Transitioning into college is not an easy task for anyone. Transitioning into an abstinence hostile environment like a college campus as a person who has recently entered long term recovery can be much harder, at least one would think. Thankfully, this is not always the case. Student recovery programs are sprouting and thriving at academic institutions everywhere.

They differ in size, name, and scope. Some are called a Collegiate Recovery Program (CRP) and some are called a Collegiate Recovery Community (CRC). Many have dedicated staff and a space on campus. Others are limited to student organizations. Some institutions offer sober living options for students in recovery.

Although they are not all the same, student recovery programs have a common goal. A goal of making recovery possible while perusing an education. They provide a medium for students to give and receive support. They depreciate the stigma associated with substance abuse and substance use disorders. They enable students in recovery to feel like students, not an outsider who isn’t supposed to be there.